CITY chip shop magnate Johngir Saddiq has battered the opposition to gain a nomination for a top British Asian award.

CITY chip shop magnate Johngir Saddiq has battered the opposition to gain a nomination for a top British Asian award.

The Erdington-based entrepreneur, owner of the Big John's fish and chip empire, is among 24 finalists nominated in the central England heat of Lloyds TSB Asian Jewel Awards.

And no less than 11 of the 24 finalists are from Birmingham.

"People are amazed that I run the business," said 39-year-old Johngir. "I have had people sitting in the office and when I ask whether I can help them they say 'no worries we are waiting for Big John'.

"My father died when I was just five and my mother worked as a seamstress in a terrible sweatshop. I wanted something better for my family."

Mike Fairey, deputy group chief executive at Lloyds TSB, said: "We want to help give British Asians the recognition they deserve, whether it's in the arts, business or public service and we hope that the nominees and winners will inspire many more to follow in their footsteps."

Khalid Darr, chairman of the Asian Jewel Awards, said: "These awards have a particular poignancy this year. It is important for society as a whole to recognise the positivity and dynamism contributed to Britain by the Asian community."